Photo by Rob Varela

Westlake golfer Brandon Hagy hits a drive during the recent Marmonte League tournament

At a time when many young golfers are on the course before they hit kindergarten, Westlake High's Brandon Hagy got a relatively late introduction to the sport.

Hagy was 9 when paternal grandfather Bob Blackmore took him to the driving range for the first time. But thanks to a strong work ethic and Hagy's natural talent, he has more than made up for his delayed entry into golf.

The talented junior has been a key contributor for a Westlake team that is vying for a Marmonte League title and perhaps even bigger accomplishments in the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.

"Brandon has been a mainstay of our team the last two years," Westlake golf coach Dave Costley said. "We have not had a player reach the CIF Individuals since 2005, the last year of a 13 consecutive-year run where one or more Westlake players had participated.

"I'm hoping this year the drought is broken, and Brandon has a good chance to be that player."

Hagy is one of Westlake's big three that also includes junior Marshall Colby and sophomore Jake Katz. While Hagy ranks third among the three in stroke average at 75.36, all three players have taken turns as the team's No. 1 player.

Having such talented teammates is something that Hagy really enjoys.

"It is a privilege to play on a team like this," Hagy said. "Most teams don't have nearly this kind of talent.

"The quality of players we have on our team helps me and everyone else because we compete every day in practice. It elevates our games. Every match we all try to go low to have bragging rights over the other guys.

"The last couple of tournaments we have shot some great scores and part of that is us pushing each other."

Since he took his first swings eight years ago, Hagy has displayed plenty of natural talent, especially when it comes to hitting it long.

He's consistently close to 300 yards off the tee, a trait that has many college coaches drooling in anticipation of what he might do at the next level.

But to have the rest of his game match his length, Hagy has spent the last three years working with teaching professional Brady Riggs at Woodley Lakes Golf Course in the San Fernando Valley.

In addition to perfecting his swing mechanics, Riggs has taught Hagy how to practice with a purpose so he's prepared to hit any shot needed during a round.

Over the last year, the two have worked hard on strengthening Hagy's short-game techniques, both his putting and his wedge work from inside of 100 yards.

Their hard work paid big dividends a few weeks ago when Hagy won his first tournament, winning the Future Collegians World Tour Hunter Ranch Invitational with a score of 6-under 138.

During the two rounds, Hagy had 14 birdies, thanks in large part to his improved short game.

"That was huge because it showed me all the hard work was paying off," Hagy said. "All the things that Brady and I have worked on, from shaping shots to managing my game.

"I made 14 birdies and my short game was a big reason for that."

Riggs said he's very pleased with Hagy's progress. He said he's matured from a good athlete playing the game, to a player who now understands what he's trying to get done on every shot.

"The win is evidence that he has a lot of shots in his bag," Riggs said. "He's always been a competitor, but he's more confident with his game. He's gradually learning how to score better.

"Where he used to have one or two bad holes cost him a good round, he's able to not have that happen now. He has all the ingredients to play at the next level."

Besides excelling on the course, Hagy is also a standout in the classroom. Last semester he posted a 4.36 GPA while taking honors classes.

He's just as proud of his academic achievements as his talents in golf.

"I want to play golf at the next level, but the school I go to will have to be strong academically," Hagy said. "I'm proud of the time-management skills I have developed and feel like they will really help me when I am trying to balance golf and studies in college."

Sally Quinlan, the director of instruction at Los Robles Golf Course, was one of Hagy's first instructors.

While she was quickly impressed by his golfing abilities, she was even more impressed by the type of kid Hagy was.

"Quite simply, this young man may be president some day; he is that kind of kid," Quinlan said. "Brandon has the drive to be anything he wants in life, be it a golfer or businessman. His personality and perseverance will make him successful at whatever he sets his mind to do.

"It has been impressive to watch Brandon develop as a young person and a golfer."

As a junior, Hagy knows this summer of golf is important for his chances of earning a scholarship.

He plans to play as many national tournaments as possible and feels like he's ready for the challenge.

"My goal is to play on the PGA Tour, so I know this is the next step toward that goal," Hagy said. "My goal is to be playing my best golf over the summer."